Living out of my store cupboard & freezer, how little can I spend to feed my family?

missymoo81

MallyGirl wrote: »

Inspired by this thread I have started cataloguing the contents of the freezer. OH saw the list and said it was a good idea - and wow what a lot there was in there. I had to admit I hadn't listed the big drawers' contents yet so I think we won't need to buy much except fresh veg for a while!

It's amazing what you find when you look isn't it! My biggest find was about 15 or so chicken breasts! I honestly didn't even know I had 1 in there!!

I have t touched on my freezer much yet as I'm mostly trying to use up the glut of stuff in my fridge.

I know you lovely ladies will know. But can I freeze butternut squash? And If so, do I just parboil it first?

Anne_Marie_2

missymoo81 wrote: »

I know you lovely ladies will know. But can I freeze butternut squash? And If so, do I just parboil it first?

You can parboil or bake in the oven and freeze. If you are pushed for time, you can cut up into cubes and place on tray and into freezer, then bag when frozen.

WantToBeSE

missymoo81 wrote: »

It's amazing what you find when you look isn't it! My biggest find was about 15 or so chicken breasts! I honestly didn't even know I had 1 in there!!

I have t touched on my freezer much yet as I'm mostly trying to use up the glut of stuff in my fridge.

I know you lovely ladies will know. But can I freeze butternut squash? And If so, do I just parboil it first?

I dont even bother par boiling BNS. I just chop it into chunks and throw into ziplock bags.
The same with courgettes.

missymoo81

Anne Marie and wanttobese, thanks a lot.

mummygems

My lot hate pasta bake however if I just cook the pasta and stir the sauce through (with a little cheese on top) they eat it lol. No idea what the difference is but there you go!

I've just been through the freezer and cupboards and am going to sit and meal plan now.

MallyGirl

missymoo81 wrote: »

It's amazing what you find when you look isn't it! My biggest find was about 15 or so chicken breasts! I honestly didn't even know I had 1 in there!!

I have t touched on my freezer much yet as I'm mostly trying to use up the glut of stuff in my fridge.

I know you lovely ladies will know. But can I freeze butternut squash? And If so, do I just parboil it first?

we will certainly be having a crumble soon as it turns out there is a bag of crumble topping, plus apple compote, plus a big bag of blackcurrants in there - who knew!
And a tub of posh custard for those that like it. Alongside 4 other tubs of ice cream/sorbet/frozen yogurt - we don't have puddings as a rule so there must have been some special offers.

I am keeping control of the fridge as I work from home so just have strange veggie concoctions and stir fries for lunch to use things up.

Serena03

I make a large portion of butternut squash risotto and freeze it in portions, its great the LO loves it and so does my other half and it tastes so delish. I use the freezer a lot - individual portions of salmon, cod, prawns, sliced mushrooms - great for last min stir fries/pasta etc. I rely on tinned as well chickpeas, tuna, salmon, butter beans etc great for making quick salads tastier or even a quick veggie or fish curry!

Does anyone have ideas for store cupboard dessert ideas - both my other half love puddings but I never have time to make any!

missymoo81

Serena03 wrote: »

I make a large portion of butternut squash risotto and freeze it in portions, its great the LO loves it and so does my other half and it tastes so delish. I use the freezer a lot - individual portions of salmon, cod, prawns, sliced mushrooms - great for last min stir fries/pasta etc. I rely on tinned as well chickpeas, tuna, salmon, butter beans etc great for making quick salads tastier or even a quick veggie or fish curry!

Does anyone have ideas for store cupboard dessert ideas - both my other half love puddings but I never have time to make any!

I do microwave steamed sponge puddings, really easy, just google it, they generally take about 5 minutes. Cornflake cakes, big traybake sponges with custard.

Serena03

Thanks Missymoo great idea just found a microwave cake recipe
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1974661/easy-microwave-sponge-pudding

Also found 10 mug microwave cake recipes too! Might end up putting on a bit of weight over the next few weeks...
http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/10-tasty-mug-cakes-that-you-can-make-in-just-minutes/

missymoo81

Oh yes serena, I've just been through my cook books and have a mug cake recipe book!!! Think I may be joining you on the weight front!